Dele Alli's much-anticipated debut for Como took a dramatic turn on March 15, 2025, as the former Tottenham star was sent off just ten minutes after entering the game against AC Milan. Initially making his first competitive appearance in over two years as a substitute, Alli suffered the disappointment of having his yellow card upgraded to red after a VAR review of his challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Alli, who joined Como on a free transfer earlier this year, stepped onto the pitch for the first time on Saturday evening at the iconic San Siro stadium. With his last competitive appearance occurring back on February 2023 during his time with Turkish side Besiktas, the expectation of his return to football had fans excited.
He made his entrance as one of the substitutes during the 81st minute, only to have his initial cheer quickly turned to dismay the first time he came under the spotlight. The incident came when he inadvertently caught Loftus-Cheek's back foot with his studs raised. Though the referee, Matteo Marchetti, initially issued only a yellow card, the situation escalated when the VAR officials called for the review.
After re-examining the footage, Marchetti changed his ruling to red, leaving the Como bench and players shocked. Seen pleading for leniency was Kyle Walker, Alli's former teammate at Tottenham and now playing for Milan, who recognized the challenge wasn’t intentional. Como was trailing 2-1 when the red card was issued, putting them at even greater disadvantage.
Como later lost the match, and the emotional burden of the outcome weighed heavily on Alli. Taking to Instagram the following day, he shared his thoughts about the unexpected nature of his comeback. "I was always going to announce my return in some way after these past two years, would rather it had been with a goal but feels good to be back," he said, using the opportunity to inject some humor amid disappointment.
Following the match, former Arsenal midfielder and current Como head coach Cesc Fabregas addressed the media, expressing disappointment but also additional concern for Alli's well-being as he attempts to revive his career. Fabregas noted, "Dele Alli is a player who can score goals; he perhaps didn’t deserve this opportunity because he has only been working with us for two weeks and has much to improve." He went on to say, "It was a clear red card; there’s nothing to be said about it. He left the team down to 10 men during a pivotal moment when we were pushing for 2-2."
The sentiments around the incident reflected mixed feelings, particularly from fans on social media, with varying perspectives on whether the decision was overly strict. Many supporters rallied behind Alli, calling the red card unfair. Comments from fans reflected disbelief and sympathy for the player who had recently undergone tough times.
Adding to the narrative, Alli shared via social media screenshots of his light-hearted post-match WhatsApp conversation with Loftus-Cheek, admitting, "the picture looked bad," and confessing he didn’t realize the VAR check was for him. Loftus-Cheek humorously noted he stayed down, citing he was just catching his breath—tensions were palpable toward the end of the match.
The match against Milan wasn’t simply about Alli’s red card; it showcased the player's willingness to prove himself after long struggles—but the resulting controversy from his dismissal will be what many discuss for weeks to come. The occasion marked not just Alli's return but was likewise ensconced within the competitive depths of Serie A, where moments like these rarely go unnoticed.
With the league’s attention now captured, and scrutiny over VAR decisions, the focus shifts toward what lies ahead for Alli and Como. Will this incident serve as merely the stumbling block on his road to recovery, or is it the sign of more challenges to come? Only time will reveal how the talented midfielder navigates through this unexpected twist on his comeback trail.
Alli’s future remains firmly within his grasp; perhaps this red card serves as fresh fuel for his ambition to adapt after this chaotic debut. Although many critics will point to his indiscretion, the spirit of the world's beautiful game often celebrates resilience, and it will be thrilling to see how his story continues.